iPad from the side

One of the first things you’ll notice about the iPad is how thin and light it is. With only just 1.5 lbs and 0.5 inches thin, it’s slightly smaller than a magazine and it’s easy to carry and use anywhere. There’s also a slight curve to the back. Which makes it easy to pick up and comfortable to hold.

iPad has a large 9.7 inch, measured diagonally, high resolution LED-Backlit IPS display that makes it perfect for web browsing, watching movies, or showing off photos.  Just like iPod Touch and iPhone, the iPad can operate in any orientation – portrait or landscape.  The IPS technology allows an amazing 17.8° viewing angle that allows you to hold it at any angle and yet still able to view the display with excellent color and contrast.

iPad from the front

The Multi-Touch screen is something that is to be expected and it uses the same technology as the iPod Touch or iPhone.  The only difference is that it has been customized for a larger screen and much precise and responsive. My finger is now itch to flick photos and Google Maps on it.

Battery is what concerns me the most when the iPad was announced as it has a huge screen that will likely consume a lot of power.  However the iPad is packed with a lithium polymer battery just like on the Macbook and Apple says that this thing will operate up to 10 hours while web surfing on Wi-Fi, watching videos or listening to music.

As this is a connected device, iPad will come with built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi and also Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR so that you can listen to music wirelessly with your stereo bluetooth headset or headphones. In addition, some iPad models will also has an integrated 3G modem that supports up to 7.2 Mbps.

Can’t wait for this device to be available on the Apple Store. Should I pick this up or should I just wait for the next Macbook Pro with Intel Core i7?

What is interesting about this business is that Multistrada as local manufacturer had to deal with global brands such as Bridgestone, Goodyear, Michelin, Dunlop, Toyo Tire and Pirelli. However, Multistrada had caused quite a stir and grab the market. Achilles, Multistrada ‘s flagship product, like the ancient Greek mythology, “muscle” Achilles was so strong. In fact, Achilles has been successful in foreign countries. Not surprisingly, the manufacturer, PT Multistrada Arah Sarana Tbk., smiles broadly as to record net sales of Rp. 1.3 trillion in 2008 and maybe another surprise for 2009 when the financial result is released.

One of the key success factor for Multistrada is from its low price as compared to the “Big Boy” such as Michellin, Bridgestone, Continental, Pirelli and Goodyear. The price for Achilles is way down there. “If the Big Boy sells 17 inch for US$ 150, then I will sell for $50. But, I am already satisfied because the margin is big enough,” J. Sukarman, Operational Director of PT Multistrada Arah Sarana Tbk. said. Pricing is only one of the strategy and as in Achilles’s case, Multistrada has created a number of innovation by providing fashionable tire concept with size that is larger than that is available in the market.

This is only the begining of Multistrada’s success story as they continue to improve their product to strive not only to produce world class product but also to be globally recognized brand.